Alex Compton almost threw a ‘Bobby Knight’ tantrum after Game 3 loss

Alaska nearly pulled off a gigantic comeback from a 27-point deficit. But time just wasn’t clearly on the Aces side, succumbing to Rain or Shine, 112-108 and digging a 0-3 hole in their Oppo-PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Wednesday night.

Coach Alex Compton couldn’t help but express his disappointment for the Aces’ lack of consistent effort in Game 3, which allowed the Elasto Painters to shoot 15-of-31 three-point shots, while getting numerous easy baskets inside.

“For a team that’s consistently I think honored the game more than any team in the league for the last couple of years, I think we dishonored it for a long stretch today by not playing with the energy that is required,” Compton rued after the game.

The 42-year-old American coach admitted he was tempted to throw tantrums after the game, similar to what legendary US NCAA coach Bobby Knight used to do during his coaching days with Indiana.

But he was able to contain his emotions as he pointed out their mistakes as a team, which enabled Rain or Shine to make 50 percent of its shot from the field in Game 3.

“Let’s just say my displeasure (or) distaste was expressed. It’s never personal with me, because I don’t believe in getting personal but I did feel some Bobby Knight-type outburst one to come out though I was able to suppress those,” he said matter-of-factly.

“We just talked about things essentially without going to some details that I don’t wanna share with the public.”

With the specter of getting swept for the 2nd time in the last 3 conferences in his young coaching career, Compton said Game 4 this Friday will just be a matter of pride.

And his hope is for the Aces to come out with a much, much better effort, compete for every possession and hopefully, win Game 4.

“Expect us to play a lot harder by playing to be more like that team that tries to come back there in the end,” vowed Compton.

Since taking over as Alaska coach in the 2014 Governors Cup, Compton has steered the Aces to the Finals 4 times. But he’s gone 0-3 in the championship series, and a possible 4th straight debacle should Rain or Shine win Game 4. – By Richard Dy